Thanks in no small part to our current governments pursuit of frightening data retention services, which forces broadband ISPs and telecom operators to log your website visits, telephone calls and email accesses (not the content), the UK has now placed 5th in Cryptohippie's (.PDF) global survey of 52 countries for the most advanced electronic police states.

Top 15 Most Advanced Electronic Police States
1. China
2. North Korea
3. Belarus
4. Russia
5. United Kingdom: England & Wales
6. United States of America
7. Singapore
8. Israel
9. France
10.Germany
11.Malaysia
12.Ireland
13.United Kingdom: Scotland
14.Netherlands
15.South Korea

It's hardly comforting to be the first democratic country listed, unless you count Russia that is. The report goes on to warn that it is too late to prevent the situation from getting worse and hopes that its data will help people identify that their liberty could be in jeopardy. Still, it's always nice to know that we can come 'nearly' top in something.